How NCLEX Next Generation (NGN) works

Since April 2023, the NCLEX has been the “Next Generation” version. The purpose is unchanged — pass it to become a licensed RN — but it adds question types designed to measure clinical judgment, not just recall.

What’s different

•Case studies: an unfolding patient scenario followed by a set of questions that evolve as new information appears.
•New item types: extended multiple response, matching/drag-and-drop, highlight-in-text, and cloze (drop-down) items, alongside traditional questions.
•Partial credit: some NGN items use scoring rules that award partial credit, rather than all-or-nothing.
•The exam remains computer-adaptive with a variable number of questions, and is still pass/fail.

NGN is built around the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model: recognize cues → analyze → prioritize → generate & take action → evaluate. Prep materials that drill this thinking process (not just facts) tend to map best to the exam.

What it means for you

The eligibility steps before the NCLEX are identical — credential evaluation, English (if required), Board approval, ATT from Pearson VUE. NGN only changes how you should study: practice applying judgment to scenarios, and use prep banks that include NGN-style case studies.

Official sources

Last verified June 2026. Confirm current exam details at nclex.com.